Veterans pay homage to Pathankot terror attack martyrs

Updated: Wednesday, January 6, 2016, 12:13 [IST]

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New Delhi, Jan 6: Nearly 200 former army personnel paid homage to the martyrs of the Pathankot terror attack at India Gate here on Jan 5 and called for formulation of a National Security Policy and reorganisation of the Ministry of Defence.

The war veterans placed a wreath at the India Gate as a mark of respect to the seven defence personnel, including one Lt Col of the NSG, who were killed in the the attack.

Lt Col Niranjan

Some civilians also joined the veterans. On the occasion, the veterans also called for formulation of a National Security Policy and reorganisation of Ministry of Defence with a "solider" at the helm of affairs rather than a "babu" (bureaucrat).

"For 67 years, we don't have a National Security Policy in place. During the budget, we have one whole day for the Railways but there is hardly any discussion on security."

"Two days should be allocated for defence and security and the Raksha Mantri should tell the nation about the security status of the country," said Satbir Singh, chairman UFESM, an umbrella body of veterans fighting for One Rank One Pension.

Pitching for reorganisation of the MoD, he said it is long due.

"After the Kargil attack, it was decided to work on reorganisation of MoD. How can a Defence Secretary be responsible for the security of the nation? Instead, a serving chief should be in his place," Singh added.

Meanwhile, Aam Aadmi Party, led by its Delhi unit convenor Dilip Pandey, took out a candle light march at Jantar Mantar to pay homage to the martyred security personnel.